Known to be the second largest ethnic group in Benue State and
occupying nine local government areas in the western part of the state, the
Idoma people are chiefly found in Ado, Agatu, Apa, Obi, Ohimini, Ogbadibo, Oju,
Okpokwu & Otukpo local government areas.
Although the above local government areas seem to be the only
places where the present-day, it suffice to say that there are other Idoma
groups in parts of Nasarawa and Cross Rivers States.
Like most ethnic group in Nigeria, the history of the Idomas seem
not to be documented. Among themselves, history is primarily passed through
oral tradition and dance.
And owing to the fact that children are usually raised in the
proximity of extended families, historical resources are ever made available to
them.
It is for this reason that Idomas generally will proudly tell
you where they are from should necessity demands it. And won't hesitate to
recite at least four generations of their progenitors.
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| idoma ladies |
However, in accordance with some oral history, Iduh who is
believed to be the father of the Idoma had several children, with each of them
establishing different areas.
Thus Ananawoogeno who begot the children of Igwumale; Olinaogwu
who begot the people of Ugboju; Idum who begot the people of Adoka; Agabi who
begot the people of Otukpo; Eje who begot the people of Oglewu; Ebeibi who
begot the people of Umogidi in Adoka, Edeh who begot the people of Edumoga and
Ode who begot the people of Yala.
Be that as it may, there are other Idomas with contradicting
history.
With many divergent views as to the origin of this loving
people, most historians agree that the Idomas migrated from Apa in the
Kwararafa Kingdom after her disintegration.
It is believed that they settled on the land of present-day Tiv
before the majority of them were pushed to their present-day location and the
others to present day Nassarawa and Cross Rivers States.
Idoma
marriage
idoma colorful traditional marriage (dancing section of the marriage)
Although the marriage rites and customs of the Idoma people are
similar to that of the Ibos and some other south-eastern cultures, there are
specific aspects that distinguish their tradition with clarity.
In some Idoma subcultures, after the payment of the bride price,
the groom and his family will present the bride with a rooster and some money
on the marriage day.
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| some of the idoma movies |
Customarily, if the bride accepts, it is a sign of approval.
However, if she rejects the gift, then it is a sign of disinterest.
Though there are no certain reasons to justify the need for a
rooster, yet it remains an interesting part of the ceremony.
Idoma
belief
The coming of Christianity, Islam, and other religion has
altered a lot of traditional practices across the country, and the Idomas is
not an exception.
Notwithstanding, a good number of them still believe strongly in
the Alekwu, which is seen as the ancestral spirits- a link between the living
and the dead.
As a matter of traditional fact, an annual 'Aje Alekwu' festival
is being hosted.
During this festival, traditional religious practitioners
offer sacrifices and commune in the worship of their ancestors across the land.
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| idoma tradition |
With a very strong affinity to Alekwu, the spirit of the
ancestors, the Idomas believes that it is standing as an unseen watchdog of the
family and communities while countering vices like adultery, theft, and murder.
Idoma
food and traditional color
idoma traditional color (Red and black)
Popularly known for the love of good food, the Idomas usually
hosts an annual food festival to celebrate women and the various traditional
cuisines.
Among the various cuisines, the most popular is the Okoho soup.
The soup is made with the peculiar Okoho plant, bush meat, and other
ingredients as well.
However, in other to foster a distinct identity, the Idomas,
during the 80's, decided to start using the red and black stripes colours as
their traditional colour.
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